Chapter 1.3

Quake Mission Pack 2

Dissolution of Eternity

The second mission pack brings some curious new design elements into the game and offers the last official journey through the dark realms of the elder worlds.

Ranger Corps Archive

Slipgate Project

D.O.E. Time Anomaly – Preliminary analysis and collected data

(by name withheld)

The time anomaly known as the Dissolution of Eternity is a very peculiar topic – it is not even confirmed to be real, even though our studies have found some evidence that it may be. Apart from several vague clues, the only real source of data we have on this is the journal of one of our Rangers, and we are unable to determine if he described real events and places, or those are simply the sick fantasies of a madman. We also can't determine of this time anomaly has already happened, is currently happening, or is about to happen.

Due to the sensitive nature of the subjects matter, all materials relating to this are to be kept under the highest level of secrecy and security, until further notice.

Introduction

"They have done it. Somehow, they have altered reality, bringing about their twisted reign over Earth, possibly even our entire universe. I don't know when, why or how. But they've done it – a new dark age has begun and it will last forever. I am the only remnant of the old world, somehow protected from being erased from history as I passed through that gateway in Armagon's inner sanctum. I am the only one left. It's all up to me. Can this be undone? I stand now before the atrium leading to their most vital domains. Perhaps there I can find a way to defeat them." – From the unknown Ranger's journal

Episode 1: Hell's Fortress

"This place, known only as Hell's Fortress, appears to be the main staging ground for Quake's hordes as they try to devour even more dimensions. Its location is unclear, but this doesn't really matter to me – I will take the Slipgate, infiltrate this place, and tear it asunder. More importantly, though, this is the command post for the Wraths, magi of the Underworld, who have now become Quake's prime shocktroops and crush any resistance. Their leader must reside somewhere within these walls."

R1M1 – Deviant's Domain: "The outer fortifications shouldn't be so tough. They don't really expect anyone to attack this place. The main gate is closed tight – it only opens for those deemed worthy. It seems I will have to prove myself by passing a series of challenges and overcoming all the guards. If they think they are cruel, they should wait to see me..."

R1M2 – Dread Portal: "Going deeper into this cursed place, I find myself in what seems to be the guards' living areas. Should expect traps and ambushes, locked doors and other obstacles. Yeah, like this could ever stop me before. I feel an unnatural chill emanating from the depths of Hell's Fortress. Whatever lies beyond will be even worse."

R1M3 – Judgment Call: "The heat and soot filling this area indicate that it houses forges, armories and training arenas. The smell of fresh blood lingering in the air suggests the presence of torture chambers as well. I can hear the voices of grunts somewhere up ahead – they are using any forces they can get. But I doubt this is the toughest they've got."

R1M4 – Cave of Death: "I had to go deep underground, hoping for an easy route. But there are no safe havens in Hell's Fortress – I have found myself within the damp caves beneath its foundations. I wish these were just vaults for weapons and artifacts, but the foul smell in the air suggest it is the breeding ground for zombies and other unnatural beasts. It is dark ahead, but I can't stop now. Hopefully, there won't be any seismic disturbances."

R1M5 – Towers of Wrath: "Closer to the surface and I have already found something interesting – a series of dark wizardly towers. Must be the Wrath army's sanctum and training area. I can now really put the hurt upon them. Sweet! But wait, it won't be as easy as walking in and putting a few lava nails into their evil heads. I'll probably have to navigate some treacherous tunnels and lava pits before I reach the laboratories and test chambers on the upper floors. Better get moving."

R1M6 – Temple of Pain: "Well, yeah, I haven't confessed in quite some time. But this temple seems too evil for my liking – seems to be dedicated to some apocalyptic cult, if those horsemen images are any clue. Seems there is a small cemetery too, and this could only mean more zombies. But worse yet are the signs of a network of underground tunnels. I bet some of them are flooded too."

R1M7 – Tomb of the Overlord: "Finally, the heart of Hell's Fortress. It may be a tomb, but I feel the mysterious Overlord is quite alive and expecting me. What scarce information I've been able to gather indicates that this is some kind of High Priest of the Underworld and that he commands the Wrath armies. It seems killing him would be just the kind of thing to send the Wraths into disarray. I will gather whatever weapons and artifacts I can along the way... and then face this foul thing in combat. This shall be the first blow against this new Dark Age!"

Episode 2: The Corridors of Time

"I think I am getting close to the heart of the problem. They have taken over our reality by changing history, completely supplanting everything we ever were and had achieved. Going back to the most ancient times, when humanity was weak, defenseless and worst of all – easily corruptible, they built this new dominion. And now, I am about to undo it."

R2M1 – Tempus Fugit: "Ancient Rome, one of the most significant ancient civilizations, now turned to decadence, cruelty and malice. The once majestic city of great buildings and works of art is now a corrupt warren of silence and shadows. The foul stench of carrion permeates the dust-covered streets and the wind brings cries of pain and despair. There is a Guardian at the temple, once devoted to Jupiter, but now a sanctum of Quake. I shall have to challenging him at the altar and defeat him."

R2M2 – Elemental Fury I: "I have sensed a great power and made a detour. What is this place – seems like a great temple dedicated to the four elements. It is divided into four quadrants, each dedicated to an element. I suspect I will be tested in each of these sections. The closest areas are the segment of Earth, where seismic tremors and crushing rocks pose mortal danger, and next is the sanctum of Air where the winds blow strong. I must pass these tests."

R2M3 – Elemental Fury II: "Two down, two more to go. The unmistakable dripping sound is a sure sign of Water ahead. I see a deep pool ahead, and I think swimming will be the least of my troubles in this place. Maybe there's an enviro-suit to be found somewhere... And next should be Fire. I feel it would be the nastiest place, as if all the lava wasn't enough already."

R2M4 – Curse of Osiris: "Back on track for a time disaster and now I've stumbled upon ancient Egypt. There is no sunshine left here, the sky is darker than my own thoughts. I see an old temple of Osiris, now turned into a bastion of Quake's forces. Ahead lies a treacherous maze, defiled tombs, numerous traps, and horrors from beyond the grave. In the deepest pits lies a golden pyramid, an ancient artifact of great power that must be liberated from the enemy. But first, I'd have to defeat another Guardian."

R2M5 – Wizard's Keep: "Medieval times, so predictable. The worlds tainted by the forces of Quake have always had this dark medieval twist about them. Ahead lies a mighty castle and its architectural style speaks of foul wizardry. I smell Wraths and even worse – that their master might be back for another round. If he is the Guardian of this place, he won't live long enough to enjoy his conquest."

R2M6 – Blood Sacrifice: "Deep in the Mesoamerican jungle, in the darkest region of the conquered Earth, lies this temple, its evil so strong that I feel it crawling all over my skin. My goal is somewhere deep beneath the surface, in the twisting catacombs, filled with traps and otherworldly beasts. Once I've overcome this obstacle, I'd be able to enter the temple's inner sanctum and face the last Guardian – Quake's High Priest. Time to say your prayers."

R2M7 – Last Bastion: "The High Priest's demise has revealed the full extent of Quake's evil scheme. There is a Temporal Energy Converter that maintains this twisted reality and keeps my world enslaved. It must be destroyed! But first things first – there is one last fortress of Quake's forces that stands in my way – filled with guards of all kinds, traps and bad surprises. What difference does it make? It shall fall just like all the rest..."

R2M8 – Source of Evil: "At last... this cave contains the source of this whole mess, the Temporal Energy Converter. Destroying it would be the final blow to abolish this evil reality and set things right. But I sense a guardian barring my path. Are you the mastermind behind all this or just another servant? No matter – you shall fall before my righteous anger. And once the wicked machine has been destroyed, what will happen to me? Will I be erased from the timeline or will I find a way back home? Will I remember anything from all this? And will anyone ever find this journal and understand what I've been through?

I don't know."